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While other groups have taken out ads or done press conferences, casino advocates in Montgomery County and Amsterdam plan a “pro-casino” parade on July 1, which suggests officials there are confident that the team proposing to develop Thruway Exit 27 will submit a license application June 30.

“It kind of just came about,” said County Executive Matt Ossenfort about the parade. “It’s something that’s spurred up from broad enthusiasm out here.” Amsterdam City government is coordinating the 5 p.m. event, with support from business leaders and others.

“I think the biggest single factor in them moving forward was community support,” Ossenfort said about the developers, Toronto-based Clairvest and British Columbia-based Great Canadian. The casino developers and operators will indeed complete the application for the housing, golf course, casino and hotel project proposed at the Amsterdam/Town of Florida border on 512 acres just off the Thruway, they said.

Peter Marcil, a member of the Clairvest team, said the application is still being filled out but is expected to be handed in by the deadline Monday. The group, using Ossenfort as their petitioner, had unsuccessfully sought concessions from the Gaming Commission, including a reduced license fee and a 60-day extension on finishing the license application.

The parade goers will be able walk along with custom cars, motorcycles and chamber of commerce members and get free tickets to the privately owned Amsterdam Mohawks baseball team.
The proponents will be taking video testimonials and pictures to be posted on social media.

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